Full Stack Developer

For those in the software development profession, a full-stack developer or a full-stack engineer is a career option that offers excellent potential and a healthy pay scale. Full stack developers cover every aspect of web development, from the artistic front end to the technical back end functionality and troubleshooting. To find out more about becoming an independent full-stack developer, take a look at our ultimate guide to one of the most versatile and desirable roles in the IT industry.

What does a Full Stack Developer Do?

A full-stack developer is an expert in both front and back-end website development and everything in between. Full-stack developers use their expertise and knowledge of programming to analyse current codes, solve backend problems and create more efficient processes for the employer’s business.

A successful full-stack developer will understand the backend languages such as Ruby, Python, PHP, SQL as well as frameworks in a server, network or hosting environment. In addition, a full-stack engineer will often oversee an entire project from the drawing board to deployment.

The typical full-stack developer is analytical and result driven. They will work with colleagues to troubleshoot and improve backend website processes with the goal of creating a more seamless, user-friendly experience for their users. It’s also essential for a full-stack developer to keep up with the latest developments in web applications and continuously learn new coding languages as they are developed.

What is the role of a full-stack developer?

The following cover the key roles and responsibilities of a full-stack developer:

• Be a key stakeholder in the design and development of software systems.

• Develop software components and applications. A successful full-stack developer will need to collaborate with other team members to discuss the features of a website or application.

• Overseeing the automatic testing and providing feedback to key stakeholders throughout the development process.

• Once the application has been mapped out, it is the developer’s job to start coding and organising a system’s logic by building the framework and underlying architecture needed to create the website.

• Take responsibility for maintaining and upgrading the software after deployment. Covering everything from incorporating new features into the website to improving the functionality and enhancing the user experience.

• Managing the complete life cycle of the software production and its applications.

• Development of functioning databases and servers.

• Work with graphic design teams to design new features

• Keep up with technological advances to optimise the software system.

• Communicate and advise on the effectiveness of any emerging technologies to key decision makers.

How to become a full stack developer?

To secure a role as a full-stack developer, there are several skills a candidate will need to possess or at least be working towards. This is because a full-stack developer uses many different technologies on a daily basis. Whilst having a relevant degree in computer science or engineering is advantageous, the skills can be learned through formal education or self-teaching. Having around five years of relevant experience is also preferable for this job role.

What main core hard skills are needed to succeed as a full-stack developer?

• Proficient in front-end languages and frameworks. Such as HTML, CSS and Javascript.

• Specialise in using at least one back-end programming language—for example, PHP, Python, Ruby or Java.

• A full-stack developer should have experience using database management systems, for example, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB or Oracle. A good understanding of how these work is essential.

• Understand version control systems to manage project files and keep track of a user’s history.

• Experienced in using web hosting platforms that allow the developer to deploy the product via a cloud service to access it from a www. For example, Amazon web services, google cloud platform or Microsoft Azure.

• Be familiar with the most common stacks.

What soft skills do you need as a Full Stack Developer?

• As well as being able to understand the technical side of the full stack developer job role, there are also some desirable soft skills that are important to succeed in this role:

• Have excellent time management skills, to meet deadlines and ensure accurate execution of tasks.

• Possess the creativity to understand the project’s objectives and create an engaging product.

• Have good analytical skills to analyse information accurately to make logical, data-driven decisions.

• Be a great problem solver. A full-stack developer needs to be able to predict errors to create bug-free applications.

• Be organised and patient. Working on new features takes a high degree of organisation and patience to research and execute properly.

• Communication – Communicating effectively with several key stakeholders when you work on a project.

What is the career progression of a Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer has a versatile skill set that allows a qualified professional to pursue several career options. For example, once you have gained three to five years of experience as a full-stack developer, you could look to move to a more senior position.

SENIOR FULL STACK ENGINEER

A senior full-stack developer would typically be responsible for managing and building out a client’s full web infrastructure. Senior Full Stack Developers must have a thorough understanding of database management and be up to date with all the latest practices and associated versions.

DIRECTOR ROLE

Once you have proven your abilities as a senior full-stack developer its possible to progress to become a director of software engineering or similar. This would involve taking the lead role in a team to document, manage and implement modern web-based applications. Directors have the responsibility to oversee entire projects, including the analysis, design, and develop all software information systems.

CTO ROLE

Beyond the director level it’s possible to advance to the CTO level role, which involves being responsible for the overarching technical leadership and guidance of a business. This is an executive-level leadership role, so it will not involve everyday coding responsibilities. At this level, you will, however, be responsible for communicating the business strategy to partners and investors.

What are the salary expectations & evolutions of a Full-Stack Developer?

In London, the average full-stack developer earns £36,067 per annum. The entry level is around £30k, and an experienced full-stack developer makes in excess of £60k.

The daily rate for a freelance full-stack developer varies depending on experience. For entry-level positions, freelancers can expect to make around £280 per day. An experienced full-stack developer can earn between £600 and £800 per day, depending on the skill level the client requires.

How to become an IT consultant?

To become an IT consultant specialising in full stack development or another area, you’ll need the relevant experience or qualification. A master’s degree is seen as the standard, but other higher qualifications are also common in the consultancy industry and can set candidates apart from the competition. Having real-world experience is also essential, with many employers prefer candidates who have five years or more.

Most IT consultants will specialise in one area whilst also possessing excellent all round IT knowledge. Here are some basic steps you should take to become an IT consultant:

• Identify your area of expertise. Know your area of expertise, whether it’s full-stack, front-end development, web designer, or anything in between.

• Build a website to showcase your previous work experience and qualifications.

• Get qualified. If you do not already possess a formal qualification, it’s essential that you look into one, or you need to be able to showcase your ability to do the job through past projects.

• Network with people. This can be in person at events or through social channels such as Linkedin. Be everywhere and talk to anyone who fits the profile of your ideal customer.

How to find jobs as a consultant full-stack developer?

There are several ways a full-stack developer can look for IT consultancy work, including:

• Responding to job adverts. Many roles are advertised for employment that could easily be filled by a consultant who is a specialist in their field. Position yourself in a way that highlights your experience and might save the business money.

• Look out for projects on freelancing platforms, for example, Upwork or Peopleperhour. Send over an impressive cover letter to get yourself noticed.

• Work with an umbrella or management company that can help you find assignments or provide networking opportunities.

• Ask for referrals from current clients. No advertising is more powerful than word of mouth.

• Cold pitching is one of the best ways to gain new assignments by approaching prospective clients. However, before going ahead with the cold pitch, a full-stack developer should identify their target customer and their IT problem and explain to them how hiring the services of a freelance full-stack developer can benefit their business.

• By joining a network like Hightekers, which has 1,300+ highly qualified consultants available for a full-stack developer to network with full-stack developers, have the potential to obtain more assignments by referral.

How to develop your career as a Full-Stack Developer?

A full-stack developer that joins Hightekers network of IT specialists can benefit from recommendations to new clients by another IT consultant from the network. In addition, all full-stack developers that join the Hightekers community will be allocated a personal account manager who can help them on their admin work so they can concentrate on their assignments. They will also have access to a support on contract negotiations and fixing the right daily rate for the jobs required. Unlike freelancers who act alone without the support of a professional IT management company to help them achieve the best possible outcome.